Rehabilitative Audiology

Rehabilitative audiology’s overarching goal is to reduce the quality of life impacts from hearing difficulties on individuals and their communication partners. The field of audiology has its roots in rehabilitation. As a field of study and clinical practice, audiology’s roots are linked to rehabilitation centers established during and immediately following World War II. Returning service members who experienced damage to their auditory systems received rehabilitative services. These services included provision of hearing aids and amplifying devices, speechreading training, auditory training, communication strategies training, and counseling. These services encompass what is termed rehabilitative audiology. This entry discusses the rehabilitative audiology.

Rehabilitative audiology has grown post–World War II, but the overarching goal remains the same. Advances in technology, understanding of the auditory system, and the impact of hearing ...